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Manchester United have reportedly rebuffed an approach from West Ham United to sign Harry Maguire on loan this month. The Red Devils captain has lacked game time under Erik ten Hag this season.
The English defender has featured 15 times across competitions but has only started in seven of those games. Ten Hag has preferred the centre-back partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez instead.
Reports claimed the 29-year-old Maguire was the subject of loan interest from West Ham as David Moyes seeks more options in his stagnating defence. However, BBC Sport's Simon Stone reports that United turned down an approach from the Hammers for the player to join on loan till the end of the season.
Manchester United told West Ham that there's no chance Maguire would leave this month. Ten Hag feels that the Englishman has an important role to play for his side, as they're alive in four competitions.
Maguire arrived at Old Trafford from Leicester City for £80 million in 2019, becoming the world's most expensive defender. His spell at the club has been plagued with criticism due to his price tag, though.
The Red Devils captain has made 159 appearances for the club, but it's for England where Maguire has impressed during his time with United. He was a standout performer for the Three Lions at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira suggests Manchester United are in title race
Fourth-placed Manchester United next face Crystal Palace tonight (January 18), looking to move to within six points of league leaders Arsenal. A potential title challenge is being spoken of after Ten Hag's side's impressive 2-1 comeback victory over Manchester City in the derby.
Palace manager Patrick Vieira has backed those claims and siad that United are a different team under their Dutch coach. He said ahead of the clash with the Red Devils at Selhurst Park (via Metro):
“When you look at their last couple of games, the number of wins and how close they are to the top, I think they can be (in a title race). It’s a different United (to the one we saw last season)."
Ten Hag's men kicked off their campaign off in disappointing fashion, losing 2-1 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion and getting thrashed 4-0 at Brentford. However, there has been a remarkable turnaround, with United winning 12, drawing two, and losing two of 16 league games since then.
The United boss played down talk of being in a title race following the win over City. However, as the Old Trafford giants continue to pick up wins, their dream of lifting the league title for the first time since 2013 are getting a boost.
